Supporting Statement Secrets To Help Your ClincPsych Application Stand Out

Applying for clinical psychology roles — whether it’s an Assistant Psychologist (AP) post, Research Assistant job, or the DClinPsy — almost always involves writing a supporting statement. This is your chance to stand out from hundreds of other applicants who likely have similar academic backgrounds.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to write a compelling supporting statement, including what to include, how to structure it, and the common pitfalls to avoid.

🎯 What is a Supporting Statement?

A supporting statement is a written section of an application (often used in NHS jobs or DClinPsy forms) where you explain how your skills, experiences, and values make you suitable for the role.

Unlike a cover letter, it’s usually longer (1000–1500 words) and must closely address the person specification.

✅ Top Tips for Writing a Strong Supporting Statement

1. Use the Person Specification as Your Blueprint

🧠 Why it matters: This is what the recruiters will use to score your application.

✅ What to do:

• Copy and paste the person spec into a doc.

• Use each criterion as a subheading or paragraph theme.

• Write clear, specific examples to show how you meet it.

🔎 Tip: Use the exact language they use: If they ask for “experience working with vulnerable people,” reflect that exact phrase back.

2. Show, Don’t Just Tell

❌ Don’t just write:

“I have excellent communication skills.”

✅ Do write:

“While volunteering at a CAMHS inpatient unit, I supported a young person with autism in using a communication aid during structured group sessions.”

✨ Use examples to back up every claim. Use the STAR method if it helps: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

3. Highlight Your Understanding of Clinical Psychology

💡 Show that you understand:

• The role boundaries (e.g. you’re not a therapist yet)

• The ethics involved (e.g. confidentiality, safeguarding)

• The importance of supervision, reflection, and evidence-based practice

🗣️ Example:

“While working with adults with complex trauma, I regularly used supervision to reflect on my emotional responses and ensure I was delivering support in line with trauma-informed principles.”

4. Tailor It to the Service and Population

🎯 A generic statement won’t land interviews.

✅ Research:

• The service (CAMHS? Neuropsych? LD?)

• Their approach or values (e.g. person-centred, trauma-informed)

• The specific client group and common challenges

📍 Then weave that into your narrative.

“My interest in working with individuals with learning disabilities is rooted in my dissertation on adaptive functioning and my experience volunteering at a day centre where I supported clients in communication and daily skills training.”

5. Keep it Reflective, Not Just Descriptive

🧠 Reflect on:

• What you learned

• How it shaped your interest in clinical psychology

• How you’d apply that learning in this role

💬 Example:

“After a difficult interaction with a distressed client, I reflected with my supervisor and recognised my instinct to ‘fix’ things quickly. This helped me understand the value of simply holding space and tolerating distress — a skill I continue to develop.”

6. Be Concise and Organised

✏️ Use:

• Short paragraphs

• Clear topic sentences

• Headings if space allows (especially for longer NHS applications)

📏 Stick to the word limit. If it says 1000 words, do not write 1800.

7. End With Impact

✅ Reaffirm your commitment and enthusiasm.

Example:

“I’m passionate about pursuing a career in clinical psychology and see this role as a valuable opportunity to deepen my clinical and reflective skills, while contributing meaningfully to a service that aligns with my values.”

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Being too vague: “I worked with mental health clients.” ➝ Be specific!

• ❌ Rewriting your CV: This isn’t a list — it’s your story.

• ❌ Ignoring the person spec: You’ll be scored against it.

• ❌ Forgetting reflection: Always show what you learned or how you grew.

🛠️ Supporting Statement Checklist

✅ Addresses every point in the person specification✅ Includes specific examples (STAR method)✅ Reflects on learning and growth✅ Tailored to the client group/service✅ Shows knowledge of clinical psych principles✅ Proofread, clear, and within word count

🎁 Need Extra Support?

I offer 1:1 mentoring for psychology students and graduates applying for AP, RA, or DClinPsy roles. Whether you want feedback on your supporting statement, help crafting your first draft, or mock interviews — I’m here to help you stand out with confidence.

👉 [Book a free intro call here] or [download my free Supporting Statement Starter Guide]